Mini-cyclone biocollector and concentrator

ABSTRACT

The particle separation and collection assembly uses cyclonic forces to separate and remove large particles from an airstream and concentrate small particles for sensor/detector technology. This assembly utilizes multiple mini cyclones operating in parallel to reduce the size and velocity of air through the cyclone inlets while maintaining the same fluid or flow rate as compared to one large cyclone. The multiple cyclone system can be arranged in a radial geometry or in a bipolar or uni-polar longitudinal design. The particle separator and collection assembly uses a blower or vacuum pump to draw outside gas into the cyclone particle separator assembly through radial inlets. Vacuum transfer channels, extending the entire length of the assembly, pull gas into the top of the cyclone chambers and out through the bottom apex of cyclone chamber and through the top vortex finder. Gas entering the cyclone particle separation chambers from the inlet swirls downwardly through cyclone chambers due to the tangentially aligned inlet. The gas travels in a helical pattern downwardly toward the bottom of cyclone chambers. Some of the air carrying particles smaller than the cut reverses direction and leaves the cyclone through the top vortex finder. The rest of the air exits the cyclone at the bottom. The geometry of the cyclone determines particle “cut” size. Due to centrifugal forces, the particles larger than the “cut” size flow outwardly away from the center axis of the chambers and toward the walls of the respective chambers. Liquid is pumped into chamber from a liquid reservoir through the central liquid passage tube. This liquid wets the particles in chamber and washes down the chamber walls flushing the particles into the reservoir. The liquid is continuously recirculated through the conical chambers by the peristaltic pump thereby concentrating the particles within the liquid over time. The liquid then can be pumped to an optionally integrated monitoring system comprised of detectors and/or sensors. The monitoring system then can send out a warning if toxic microorganisms are present.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit from U.S. provisional application No.60/139,495 filed Jun. 14, 1999, the disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a particle separator for separating particlesfrom a stream of gas, and in particular to a particle separator usingmini-cyclones that separate the particles from the gas stream andconcentrate those particles within a quantity of liquid to be collectedand monitored.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The collection and monitoring of particles separated from a gas isneeded in many diverse situations. Some of these situations includedefense against biological warfare agents in battlefield and othermilitary applications; and protecting the general public against:airborne pathogenic agents released by terrorist groups; geneticallymodified material used in biotechnology applications; infectiousorganisms contaminating air in hospitals, research labs, publicbuildings, and confined spaces such as subway systems; and pollutantaerosols that damage the respiratory system.

Bioaerosols are defined as airborne particles, large molecules orvolatile compounds that are living, contain living organisms or werereleased from living organisms. The size of a bioaerosol particle mayvary from 100 microns to 0.01 micron.

There is an increasing concern about the presence of aerosolizedbiocontaminants associated with the food processing industry. E. coli,salmonella, “Mad Cow” disease and other contaminants have resulted inwidespread public concern about the safety of food products. Thecollection and measurement of bioaerosols are of interest to a widecommunity of public health officials because they can cause infectiousdiseases or chemical damage to the respiratory system. These particlesare also of concern to the Department of Defense (DOD) because of theirpossible use in biological warfare and terrorism.

Air quality monitoring is also an important public health need. As theworld's population rises exponentially and world travel becomesincreasingly easy, the degree and pace at which communicable diseasescan spread has resulted in significant concerns regarding potentialepidemics from airborne disease transmission. Recirculation of air inbuildings and other enclosed spaces such as subways and airplanes haslead to a potentially significant public health issue. Identificationand control of infectious disease organisms in hospitals representsanother major need. The Environmental Protection Agency cites indoor airpollution causing “sick building syndrome” as one of the five majorenvironmental problems in the United States (Federal Register, Apr. 5,1994; the regulatory driver for the quality of indoor air as proposedregulations for OSHA). According to the EPA, indoor air pollutionaffects 33 to 55 percent of commercial buildings, and causes 13.5million lost work days each year. It can also lead to major publichealth incidents.

Nosocomial, or hospital-acquired, infections are often caused byantibiotic resistant microorganisms. These infections currently affectaround 10% of hospital patients, causing additional suffering andmortality. The detection of pathogenic materials such as nosocomialpneumonia and Legionnaires disease in ventilation systems could helpprevent infectious outbreaks of unknown origin in hospitals and publicbuildings. A miniaturized collection/detection system could easily beplaced within the ventilation ducts of buildings and left sampling foran extended length of time.

The use of recombinant microorganisms is an expanding area ofbiotechnology for production of biochemicals, pharmaceuticals andvaccines. Increasingly, recombinant viral vectors are being used forvaccine delivery and gene therapy. Effective containment measurementsare required but there is a need to be able to measure the effectivenessof these containment measures. For example, there is the possibilitythat aerosols created accidentally by laboratory procedures may escapefrom the containment provided by microbiological safety cabinets. Or,aerosols may be created by centrifugation, or liquid handling. Atpresent, the means by which airborne viruses and bacteria can bedetected and monitored are limited.

Threats from microorganisms in the air as a result of natural phenomenaor human-induced activities such as the examples discussed above cannotbe adequately monitored and evaluated with current technology. Earlywarning, hazard recognition, personal protective equipment, exposureevaluation, and environmental monitoring are needed to prevent andreduce impacts from airborne infectious or genetically modifiedmaterial. Near real-time monitoring is necessary to avoid exposure andto initiate early treatment to arrest disease progression. Existingcollection devices such as filters do not provide real time informationbecause they must be taken to a laboratory for analysis. Detectiondevices for real time use by the military currently are large and powerintensive.

A further deficiency with large collectors is that they have high inletvelocities and can severely damage or kill the microorganisms beingcollected. A high flow rate system that uses one large cyclone chambersrequires a high inlet gas velocity for proper efficiency. However, ahigh inlet gas velocity also creates a large pressure drop across thecyclone chambers that results in a high power consumption. Further,microorganisms usually have to be collected alive for effectivedetection. The high inlet velocity needed for efficiency places largeshear forces against the particles, killing the microorganisms neededalive for analysis.

Therefore, there is a need for small, efficient gas (aerosol) collectorsto separate, capture and concentrate bioparticles from the air fordetection.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The particle separation and collection assembly of the present inventionuses cyclonic forces to separate and remove small particles from anairstream and concentrate small particles for sensor/detectortechnology. This system utilizes multiple mini-cyclones operating inparallel to reduce the velocity of the intake air while maintaining thesame fluid or flow rate as compared to one large cyclone.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the particle separator andcollection assembly comprises a plurality of particle separationchambers; each of the particle separation chambers having a conicalshape with an internal surface; a lower vacuum chambers disposed influid communication with the particle separation chambers; a pluralityof inlets, each inlet disposed in fluid communication with each particleseparation chambers, each inlet supplying particle-laden gas externalfrom the assembly to each particle separation chambers; and a liquidpassage conduit connectable to a reservoir; the liquid passage conduitsupplying a liquid from a reservoir to the internal surface of eachparticle separation chambers in order to collect the particles separatedfrom the gas within each particle separation chambers.

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the particleseparator and collection assembly includes a two stage system ofconcentric components to remove large interfering particles and retainsmall particles for collection and analysis. In this assembly, a largeouter cyclone is used to separate particles >50μ and an inner bank ofmini-cyclones is used to capture and concentrate small particles <50μ.The two stage particle separator and concentrator assembly comprises ahousing having a longitudinal axis, the housing including a top endportion connectable to a blower and a bottom end connectable to a pump;at least one cyclone chambers disposed within the housing and having anupper end and a lower end; and at least one housing inlet in fluidcommunication with at least one cyclone chamber, at least one housinginlet enabling particle-laden gas external from the apparatus to enterthe at least one particle separation chambers; a liquid passage conduitdisposed within the housing and connectable to a pump, the liquidpassage conduit delivering the liquid to the upper end of the least onecyclone chambers; and an outer cyclone chambers concentric to thelongitudinal axis and coupled to the housing, the outer cyclone chambersin fluid communication with the inlet, wherein particle-laden gas ispulled through the at least one cyclone chambers by a blower so that theparticles are separated from the gas by centrifugal force and collectedby the liquid supplied to the at least one cyclone chambers.

The present invention further includes a method for separating particlesfrom a gas and collecting the particles within a liquid using a particleseparation assembly, the particle separation assembly having a pluralityof cyclone separation chambers disposed longitudinally within a housingof the assembly and having a longitudinal axis, the housing including atop end connectable to a blower, a bottom end connectable to a pump, anda plurality of inlets corresponding to the plurality of cycloneseparation chambers for external gas to enter the assembly, a liquidpassage conduit connectable to the pump for delivering the liquid toeach cyclone separation chambers, the method comprising: drawing aparticle-laden gas into the inlets of the housing and through theplurality of cyclone separation chambers so that a centrifugal force iscreated due to the configuration of the chambers; separating theparticles from the gas by using the centrifugal force to move theparticles outwardly away from the longitudinal axis and toward the innerwall of each cyclone chambers; supplying each cyclone chambers with theliquid through the liquid passage conduit; collecting the particles withthe liquid by washing down the inner wall of each cyclone chambers andtrapping the particles within the liquid.

The microassembly approach to aerosol collection of the presentinvention is advantageous by allowing process routes through largesurface to volume ratios and short response times. Parallel processingusing micro components allows process optimization of a single unit andsubsequent scale-up by replication. Miniaturization of components alsoallows multi-component processing of an airstream for more efficientparticle collection and concentration.

It is advantageous using a bank of miniature cyclones (1-3 cm diameter)in parallel. Parallel processing using multiple mini-cyclone chambersreduces the pressure drop across the separation unit significantly whileprocessing the same amount of fluid (same fluid or flow rate) with thesame efficiency as one large cyclone chambers. This also provides anassembly that has low power consumption due to lower inlet air velocity.Further, the lower inlet air velocity reduces the shear forces andabrasive wear against the particles and the continuous underfluid orflow commonly associated with the cyclone.

Another advantage of an assembly consisting of multiple mini-cyclones isthat of total assembly size and volume. In terms of internal volume, ourcalculations indicate that a mini-cyclone assembly can be almost anorder of magnitude smaller than a single large cyclone. This alsobenefits assembly weight and fluidic assembly volume. Further, the useof micro-machined, parallel components allows the particle separationand collection system to be assembled into smaller or largerarchitectures, making it extremely flexible and adaptable for a widerange of possible applications that can be integrated with a number ofdifferent biosensor or other detector technologies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of thisinvention will become more readily appreciated as the same become betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description, whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded, perspective view of the particleseparator assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an enlarged, perspective view of the base section ofthe present invention;

FIG. 3A illustrates a top view of the base section of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the base section takenalong the line I—I of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C illustrates another cross-sectional view of the base sectiontaken along the line I—I of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of the base section of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 illustrates an enlarged, perspective view of the conical cyclonesection of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates an enlarged view of the top of the conical cyclonesection of the present invention;

FIG. 7A illustrates a top view of the conical cyclone section of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7B illustrates a side elevation view of the conical cyclone sectionof the present invention;

FIG. 7C illustrates a bottom view of the conical cyclone section of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7D illustrates an end view of the under fluid or flow pipe that isconnected to the conical cyclone section of the present invention;

FIG. 7E illustrates a side elevation view of the under fluid or flowpipe of FIG. 7D;

FIG. 8A illustrates an enlarged, perspective view of the cyclone inletsection of the present invention;

FIG. 8B illustrates an enlarged, perspective view of the cylindricalcyclone section of the present invention;

FIG. 9A illustrates a top view of the cylindrical cyclone section of thepresent invention;

FIG. 9B illustrates a side elevation view of the cylindrical cyclonesection of the present invention;

FIG. 10A illustrates a top view of the cyclone inlet section of thepresent invention;

FIG. 10B illustrates a side elevation view of the cyclone inlet sectionof the present invention;

FIG. 10C illustrates an enlarged partial view of the tapered outer wallof the cyclone inlet section of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates an enlarged, perspective view of the upper cyclonevent section of the present invention;

FIG. 12A illustrates a top view of the upper cyclone vent section of thepresent invention;

FIG. 12B illustrates a side elevation view of the upper cyclone ventsection of the present invention;

FIG. 12C illustrates a top view of the underfluid or flow pipe that isconnected to the conical cyclone section of the present invention;

FIG. 12D illustrates a side elevation view of the underfluid or flowpipe that is connected to the conical cyclone section of the presentinvention;

FIG. 13 illustrates an enlarged, perspective view of the top section ofthe present invention;

FIG. 14A illustrates a top view of the top section of the presentinvention without the flange attachment;

FIG. 14B illustrates a side elevation view of the top section of thepresent invention without the flange attachment; and

FIG. 15 illustrates the integration of a blower with the particleseparation assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates an exploded, perspective view of the alternativeembodiment of the particle separator assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 17 illustrates an enlarged, perspective view of the reservoirsection of the alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 illustrates an enlarged, perspective view of the splash guardsection of the alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 illustrates an enlarged, perspective view of the cyclone sectionof the alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 illustrates an enlarged, perspective view of the cyclone sectionof the alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 illustrates an enlarged, perspective view of the cyclone headsection of the alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 illustrates another enlarged, perspective view of the cyclonehead section of the alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 illustrates an enlarged, perspective view of the top section ofthe alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 illustrates an enlarged view of the cyclone head section of theparticle separator assembly of the alternative embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 25 illustrates an enlarged view of the cyclone chambers section ofthe particle separator assembly of the alternative embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 26 illustrates an enlarged view of the reservoir section of theparticle separator assembly of the alternative embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 27A illustrates a top view cross section of the outer particleseparator combined with the inner min-cyclone collector of the presentinvention;

FIG. 27B illustrates a side perspective view of the outer helicalcyclone for the large particle separation of the alternative embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 27C illustrates a side perspective view of alternative embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 28 illustrates an enlarged, perspective view of the alternativeembodiment of the particle separator assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 29 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of theparticle separator of the present invention;

FIG. 30 illustrates a longitudinal section of the embodiment shown inFIG. 29;

FIG. 31 illustrates a top section view of the embodiment shown in FIG.30;

FIG. 32 illustrates the projected collection efficiency based on CFDmodeling of the cyclone system as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 16;

FIG. 33 illustrates a plot of particle diameter vs. V_(rp) for a rangeof inlet velocities for the alternative embodiment described in EXAMPLE2

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention is a cyclone particle separation system thatseparates particles trapped in a gas stream and concentrates theparticles in a liquid reservoir for analyzing. The particle separator isa lightweight, compact system that collects and concentrates biologicalmaterial from the air. The system is used in conjunction with a controlunit and can be integrated with several types of biodetectors andsensors or can be used as a stand-along system. The control unit (notshown) operates the cyclone assembly by controlling the flow rate anddirection of air and liquid through the blower and peristaltic pump,respectively.

FIG. 1 illustrates the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1describes a mini-cyclone particle separator and collector assembly 2including a housing comprised of six, sections. The housing is comprisedof six individual sections; however, the housing may be integral orconstructed in any number of pieces as required. All housing sectionsare shown as generally cylindrical in overall shape, although otherexterior shapes may be used. When assembled, each section is coaxialwith respect to the assembly longitudinal central axis 6 and are heldtogether by elongate bolts 4 extending the entire length of assembly 2.The housing sections are made from plastic using an injection moldingprocess; however, other materials and processes may be used.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the mini-cyclone particle separator assembly2 includes base section 10 comprising an internal reservoir 12 and alower vacuum chambers 14. Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3B, lower vacuumchambers 14 is located toward the top of base section 10 adjacentunderfluid or flow pipe outlet 28 of conical cyclone section 20discussed below. Lower vacuum chambers 14 is connected in fluid or flowcommunication to four vacuum transfer channels 52 at lower openings 19.Each opening 19 is located adjacent to underfluid or flow pipes 28.Reservoir 12 stores the liquid and provides a collection location toreceive liquid from underfluid or flow pipe 28. At the bottom of thebase section 10, a small diameter central outlet 16 is provided toconnect to the suction side of a peristaltic pump (not shown). The pump,in operation with a solenoid valve, lifts the liquid from internalreservoir 12 upwardly through a central liquid passage 24 of cyclonesection 20 and into the top of the cyclone chambers 22. Base section 10may include an internal shoulder 18 located approximately midway downthe height of interior wall of base section 10. Internal shoulder 18provides support for three screens (not shown) that break up any foam inthe liquid stream fluid or flowing out of underfluid or flow pipe 28.The control unit (not shown) can direct the liquid collected through aconduit attached to outlet 16 to a monitoring system to check for thepresence of toxic microorganisms among the particles collected.

As shown in FIG. 1, the lower end of conical cyclone section 20 attachesto the top of base section 10. Section 20 includes an internal flange orshelf 29 that extends from the central axis 6 and approaches the outeredge, leaving approximately the wall thickness of base section 20.Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5-7D, conical cyclone section 20 defines fourseparate particle separation or cyclone chambers 22, each formed on adownwardly tapered, conical shape extending longitudinally therethrough.Each chambers 22 extends parallel to center axis 6 and is preferablydisposed equidistant around central axis 6. The conical cyclone section20 includes a central, small diameter liquid passage pipe or conduit 24that extends the entire length of conical cyclone section 20. Liquidpassage pipe 24 begins at the top of the conical cyclone section 20 andcontinues down the center of section 20, along central axis 6 and thenangles radially outwardly to connect to an outer passage 13 extendingdown through base section 10. The bottom outlet 15 of outer passage 13is connected to the pressure side of a miniature peristaltic pump (notshown) at the lower end of base section 10. Liquid passage pipe 24supplies liquid to top portion 23 of the conical chambers 22 throughtangential inlet opening 26. The liquid entering each chambers 22through a tangential opening 26 traps the particles within the liquid asthe liquid washes down the interior walls of chambers 22. The liquidexits out of bottom portion 21 of chambers 22 through underflow pipe orapex outlet 28 and back into base section 10. Underflow pipe 28 isconnected to chambers 22 through screw threads 27. The pump (not shown)supplies liquid to the chambers 22 through pipe 24 at a fluid or flowrate of about 1-25 milliliters per minute; however, greater or lesserfluid or flow rates can be achieved based on specific requirements ofthe user.

As shown in FIG. 1, cylindrical cyclone section 30 attaches to the topof conical cyclone section 20. Referring to FIGS. 8B and 9A-9B,cylindrical cyclone section 30 includes four cylindrical cyclonechambers 30. Each chambers 30 is aligned directly above a correspondingconical chambers 22. Vacuum transfer channels 52 and clearance holes 66extend through cylindrical cyclone section 30.

As shown in FIG. 1, the bottom of cyclone inlet section 40 is attachedto the top of cylindrical cyclone section 30. Referring to FIGS. 8A and10A-10C, cyclone inlet section 40 includes four chambers 42 each havinginner wall or surface 44. Each chambers 42 has a tangential inlet 43that connects chambers 42 to the external environment. Chambers 42further connects in fluid or flow communication with a correspondingcylindrical chambers 30 and a corresponding conical chambers 22 to formthe entire cyclone chambers. Each inlet 43 has a generally rectangularshape in cross-section and connects to chambers 42 through entrance wall46. Entrance wall 46 is tangential to cylindrical inner surface 44 ofchambers 42. Each inlet 43 also is formed by a tapered entrance wall 48to facilitate particle-laden gases to enter through inlet 43 to chambers42. Tapered wall 48 projects away from inner tangential wall 46 of thecylindrical chambers 42 by approximately 35 degrees. An air fluid orflow rate of about 100-500 liters per minute is achieved by theconfiguration of the present invention; however, greater or lesser fluidor flow rates may be achieved when additional cyclone chambers are usedand/or when cyclone size is adjusted. To achieve the 100-500 liters perminute fluid or flow rate, in one preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the assembly is preferably approximately 7 cm in diameter andapproximately 20 cm in length employing four cyclone chambers.Preferably, the top of the cyclone chambers has a diameter of 2 cm, thebottom diameter of the bottom of the cyclone chambers is 0.6 cm, and theheight of the cyclone chambers is 10 cm.

As shown in FIG. 1, upper cyclone vent section 50 is attached to the topof cyclone inlet section 40 by bolts extending through close fittingclearance holes 66. Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12A-12D, cyclone ventsection 50 includes four vent passageways 54 that extend verticallythrough the generally disk-shaped vent section 50. Each vent passagewayis disposed parallel to assembly axis 6 directly above chambers 42 andhas a threaded inner surface 55. Four overflow pipes or vortex finderoutlets 56, cylindrical in shape, have partial threaded outside surfaces57. Each pipe 56 is attached to vents 54 by the meshing of correspondingthreaded surfaces 55 and 57. Overflow pipes 56 extend downwardly andinto the respective cylindrical chambers 42 of cyclone inlet section 40.Each overfluid or flow pipe extends from the bottom of upper cyclonevent section 50 to approximately the bottom of cyclone inlet section 40.

Most of the incoming particle-laden gas moves downward in an helicalfluid or flow pattern through the cyclone chambers (cylindrical andconical section). Some of the downward fluid or flow leaves through theunderfluid or flow outlet through vacuum transfer passages 52 and exitsout of upper vacuum chambers 62. The rest of the gas (after most theparticles have been separated and captured by the liquid) reverses itsvertical direction and travels upwardly via an inner helical fluid orflow and exits the conical chambers through overflow pipe 56. This gascontinues up through vents 54 and out of the assembly by the blowerinduced vacuum.

As shown in FIG. 1, top section 60 is attached to the top of uppercyclone vent section 50. Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14A-14B, top section60 includes an upper vacuum chambers 62 and an external coupling nipple68. External coupling nipple 68 is attached to a blower or vacuum pump(not shown). Top section 60 has four clearance holes 66 that extend theentire length of assembly 2. Each vacuum transfer passage 52 exits intoupper vacuum chambers 62 at an upper opening 64. Upper vacuum chambers62 is connected in fluid or flow communication with the top of conicalchambers 22 through vents 54 and cylindrical chambers 30.

In operation, a blower or vacuum pump draws outside gas into the cycloneparticle separator assembly through radial inlets 43. Vacuum transferchannels 52, extending the entire length of the assembly 2, pull gasinto the top portion 23 of the cyclone chambers 22 and out through apex28 of cyclone chambers 22. Gas entering the cyclone particle separationchambers 22 from inlet 43 swirls downwardly through cylindrical cyclonesection 30 and into the conical shaped chambers 22 due to thetangentially aligned inlet 43. The gas travels in a helical patterndownwardly toward the bottom portion 21 of conical chambers 22. Due tocentrifugal forces, the particles flow outwardly away from the centeraxis of the chambers 22 and toward the walls of the respective chambers22. Liquid is pumped into chambers 22 from internal reservoir 12 throughthe central liquid passage tube 24. This liquid wets the particles inchambers 22 and washes down the chambers walls flushing the particlesinto reservoir 12. The liquid is continuously recirculated through theconical chambers by the peristaltic pump (not shown) therebyconcentrating the particles within the liquid over time. The liquid thencan be pumped to an optionally integrated detector/sensor systemcomprised of detectors and sensors. The detector/sensor system can sendout a warning if toxic microorganisms are present. If particleconcentration is not needed, the liquid can be pumped immediately to thedetector/sensor system.

EXAMPLE 1

A scaled-down 20 LPM cyclone system according to one embodiment of thepresent invention was used in these initial tests using an aerosolizedmicroorganism in an environmental chamber. An antigen-antibody testcalled “Origin” was used to quantify the microorganism collected by thecyclone system and growth of the organisms on culture medium. Initialresults were obtained from the Origin assays for Erwinia herbicolatests. The Origin test recognized both living and killed biologicalmaterial. The results (Table 1) indicate that the mini cyclonebiocollector of the present invention is more efficient than thereference collector used.

TABLE 1 Collection Efficiency for Erwinia herbicola during a 15 minuteSampling Period for Cyclones Biocollectors Compared to All-GlassImpinger Reference Collector. Data are in Colony-Forming Units per mlCollection Solution per Liter Air Sampled. Organisms were quantifiedusing the “Origin” Antigen-Antibody Test. Cyclone 1 Cyclone 2 ReferenceCollector 1.51 E3  1.23 E3 1.05 E3 1.8 E3 1.93 E3 1.25 E3 2.7 E3 1.51 E31.11 E3

FIGS. 16-28 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention.Referring initially to FIGS. 16 and 27A-27C, the alternative embodimentis a particle separation assembly or system that uses cyclonic forces toseparate and remove large particles from an airstream and concentratesmall particles for sensor/detector technology. The alternativeembodiment is a portable, multi-functional device that is suitable forpathogen separation and collection in field situations.

The alternative embodiment of the particle separator and collectorassembly, as show in FIGS. 27-28, uses an outer cyclone to remove largerparticles from an airstream and an inner mini-cyclone series toconcentrates smaller particles into a liquid. FIGS. 15-28 describes amini-cyclone particle separator and collector assembly 102 includes ahousing comprised of five sections. However, the housing may be integralor constructed in any number of pieces as required. All housing sectionsare cylindrical in shape, although other exterior shapes may be used.When assembled, each section is coaxial with respect to the assemblylongitudinal central axis 106 and are held together by elongate bolts104 extending the entire length of assembly 102. The housing sectionsare made from plastic using an injection molding process; however, othermaterials and processes may be used.

As shown in FIG. 16, the. mini-cyclone particle separator assembly 102includes fluid reservoir section 110 comprising a fluid chambers orreservoir 111. Reservoir 111 stores the liquid and provides a collectionlocation to receive liquid from underfluid or flow pipe 28. Fluidreservoir 111 is divided into an upper cylindrical section 112 and alower conical section 113. Conical section 113 begins approximatelymidway down the internal surface of fluid reservoir section 110 andterminates at small diameter central outlet 114 at the bottom of fluidreservoir section 110. Small diameter outlet 114 connects to the suctionside of a peristaltic pump (not shown). The miniature peristaltic pumpfeeds each cyclone chambers 132 a metered volume of liquid through atangential opening in the cyclone wall. Pumping rates as low as 0.25ml/min to each cyclone have proved to be satisfactory for wet-walloperation. An electrical solenoid valve is used to direct fluid or flowup the central liquid passage 134 from reservoir 113 to the cyclonechambers 132 for recycling of liquid during a collection period (andthus concentration of particles), or alternatively out to a sample portor sensor/detector device for detection of any toxic microorganismspresent in the liquid. When real time sensors for specific biologicalmaterials are developed a low continuous or intermittent liquid fluid orflow will be supplied to the cyclones that will then be pumped to thesensor unit.

The design has integrated fluid or flow channels for air and liquidmovement. Several different reservoir sections 110 can be fabricated tohold varying amounts of liquid for wetting the walls of the cyclonechambers 132 and concentrating the sample. The layered component designof the cyclone assembly allows the operator to change reservoircomponents depending on the length of the sampling period desired. Alarger reservoir is used for longer sampling periods so that enoughliquid is available to replace evaporative loss.

Referring to FIGS. 17-26, a vertical column 116 is attached to theexterior surface of fluid reservoir section 110 and includes an internalchannel 117 and a liquid collection and return conduit 118. Internalcollection and return conduit 118 is connected in fluid or flowcommunication to the pump (not shown) at the bottom of fluid reservoirsection 110. Internal channel 117 allows wires from both the pump andthe blower to run the entire length of vertical column 116. Verticalcolumn 116 extends from the bottom of fluid reservoir section 110 up tothe external surface of cyclone head section 140. Liquid may be addedto, the reservoir 111 by using the fluid collection port 139. Acollection tube filled with liquid is attached to fluid collection port139. Liquid from the collection tube is pumped through internalcollection and return conduit 118 to the reservoir 111 by operating thepump in reverse mode. A secondary injection port 115 may also beincluded to fluid reservoir section 110 to allow liquid to be added tothe reservoir. Secondary injection port 115 is located just below thetop of fluid reservoir section 110 and can be used to inject liquid intothe system using a syringe without powering up the pump (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 16, the lower end of splash guard section 120 attachesto the upper end of fluid reservoir section 110 and comprises a lowervacuum chambers 122. Referring to FIGS. 16 and 18, lower vacuum chambers122 is located adjacent to underflow pipe outlet 138 of conical cyclonesection 130 discussed below. Lower vacuum chambers 122 is connected influid or flow communication to four vacuum transfer channels 146 atlower openings 124. Vacuum transfer channels 146 extend from splashsection 120 and terminate at top section 150 at opening 154. Each loweropening 124 is located adjacent to underfluid or flow pipe 138. Lowervacuum chambers 122 contains an upper cylindrical portion 127 and alower conical portion 128. Lower conical portion 128 terminates intooutlet 129. Outlet 129 allows liquid to return to reservoir 111.

As shown in FIG. 16, the lower end of conical cyclone section 130attaches to the top of splash guard section 120. Cyclone section 130includes an internal flange or shelf 131 that extends from the centralaxis 6 and approaches the outer edge, leaving approximately the wallthickness of splash guard section 130. Referring to FIGS. 16, 19, 20 and25, conical cyclone section 130 defines four separate chambers 132, eachformed on a downwardly tapered, conical shape extending longitudinallytherethrough. Each chambers 132 is parallel to center axis 6 and isdisposed equidistant around central axis 106. The conical cyclonesection 130 includes a central, small diameter liquid passage pipe orconduit 134 that extends within conical cyclone section 130. Centralliquid passage 134 begins at the top of the conical cyclone section 130and continues down the center of section 130, along central axis 106 andthen angles radially outwardly to connect to an outer passage 125extending down through splash guard section 120 and fluid reservoirsection 110 and terminating at bottom outlet 115. Bottom outlet 115 ofouter passage is connected to the pressure side of a miniatureperistaltic pump (not shown) at the lower end of fluid reservoir section110. Central liquid passage pipe 134 supplies liquid to the cylindricalchambers 142 through a tangential inlet openings 175. The liquidentering each chambers 142 through the tangential opening traps theparticles within the liquid as the liquid washes down the interior wallsof chambers 132. The liquid exits out of bottom portion 135 of chambers132 through underfluid or flow pipe or apex outlet 138 and back intofluid reservoir section 110. Underflow pipe 138 is connected to chambers132 through screw threads (not shown), The pump (not shown) suppliesliquid to the chambers 132 through pipe 134 at a fluid or flow rate ofabout 1-25 milliliters per minute.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 22, tangential openings 195 arerectangular in shape and extend up toward the top of conical cyclonechamber 142.

As shown in FIG. 25, vertical column 116 attaches to the externalsurface of cyclone section 130 and includes a fluid collection andinjection port 139. Fluid collection port 139 is located on verticalcolumn 116 approximately midway down the external surface of cyclonesection 130. A collection container may be attached to fluid collectionand injection port 139 to collect the concentrated particle liquid fromthe reservoir or may be used to inject new liquid into the reservoir111.

As shown in FIGS. 16, 21 and 22, cyclone head section 140 attaches tothe top of cyclone section 130. The cyclone head section 140 includesfour cylindrical cyclone chambers 142. Each chambers 142 is aligneddirectly above a corresponding conical chambers 132. Cyclone headsection 140 contains four inlets 143 that connects chambers 142 to theexternal environment. Chambers 142 further connects in fluid or flowcommunication with a corresponding cyclone chambers 132 to form theentire particle separation or cyclone chambers. Each inlet 143 has agenerally rectangular shape in cross-section and connects to chambers142 through an entrance wall (not shown). The entrance wall istangential to the cylindrical inner surface of chambers 142. Each inlet143 is also formed by a tapered entrance wall (not shown) to facilitateparticle-laden gases to enter through inlet 143 to cylindrical chambers142. The tapered wall projects away from the inner tangential wall ofthe cylindrical chambers 142 by approximately 35 degrees.

As shown in FIG. 21, four vent passageways 144 pass vertically throughcyclone head section 140. Each vent passageway is disposed parallel toassembly axis 6 directly above chambers 142 and has a threaded innersurface (not shown). Four overfluid or flow pipes or vortex finderoutlets 147, cylindrical in shape, have partial threaded outsidesurfaces (not shown). Each pipe 147 is attached to vents 144 by themeshing of the corresponding threaded surfaces. Overfluid or flow pipes147 extend downwardly and into the respective cylindrical chambers 142of cyclone head section 140. Each overfluid or flow pipe extends fromthe bottom of top section 150 to approximately the bottom of cyclonehead section 140.

As shown in FIGS. 27A-27C, an outer cyclone separator 148 may attach tocyclone head section 140. Outer cyclone separator or chambers 148 isarranged concentrically about central axis 106. Referring to FIGS.27A-27C (these FIGURES show an example of eight inner cyclone chambersinstead of the four discussed previously), particle-laden gas entersouter cyclone vent 149 and into outer cyclone separator 148 and movesthe gas in a helical fluid or flow. The helical structure of the outercyclone separator 148 results in large particles (in this case >50 μm)being deposited on the inner surface of the outer cyclone, while aircontaining small particles is processed by the inner cyclones. Thelinear fluid or flow rate of 8 m/sec is diverted through outer cycloneinlet 149 to the inner cylinder at points corresponding to the eightinlets 143 of the inner cyclones chambers 132 around the circumferenceof the inner cylinder. Still referring to FIGS. 27A-27C, when outercyclone separator 148 is desired, assembly 102 is modified so thatvertical column 116 is not used. Liquid may be pumped to an exteriormonitoring system (not shown) for analysis.

A catch bin (not shown) at the base of the outer cyclone separator 148retains large particles as they fall to the bottom of the separator 148.If necessary, a set of short helical fins (not shown) can be attached tothe outer wall whose purpose will be to cause particles near the outerwall to fluid or flow toward the bottom. Heavier inorganic particlesthat are not of interest in the collection of biological organisms thathave densities larger than 1.0 gm will move to the outer wall of theouter helix and be discarded with the larger particles. Cleaning outercyclone separator 148 is accomplished by closing the inlets 143, openingvents (not shown) in the catch basin and reversing fluid or flow of theblower unit to blow the large particles through the vents in the bottomof the catch basin.

Most of the incoming particle filled gas that enters cylindricalchambers 142 moves downward in an helical fluid or flow pattern throughthe cyclone chambers 132. Some of the downward fluid or flow leavesthrough the underfluid or flow outlet 138 and into vacuum transferpassages 146 and then exits out of upper vacuum chambers 152. The restof the gas (after most of the particles have been separated and capturedby the liquid) reverses its vertical direction and travels upwardly viaan inner helical fluid or flow and exits the conical chambers throughoverflow pipe 147. This gas continues up through vents 144 and out ofthe assembly by the blower induced vacuum.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 23, top section 150 is attached to the top ofcyclone head section 140. Top section 150 includes an upper vacuumchambers 152 and an external coupling lip 156. External coupling lip 156is attached to a blower or vacuum pump (not shown). Top section 150 hasfour clearance holes 158 that extend the entire length of assembly 102.Each vacuum transfer passage 146 exits into upper vacuum chambers 152 atan opening 154. Upper vacuum chambers 152 is connected in fluid or flowcommunication with the top of cyclone chambers 132 through vents 144 andcylindrical chambers 142.

In operation, a blower or vacuum pump draws outside gas into outercyclone separator 148. Larger particles are separated from smallerparticles and collected in a catch basin. The smaller particles thenenter the mini-cyclones in the cyclone particle separator assemblythrough radial inlets 143. Vacuum transfer channels 146, extending theentire length of the assembly 102, pull gas into the top of the cyclonechambers 132 and out through lower apex 138 of cyclone chambers 132. Gasentering the cyclone particle separation chambers 132 from inlet 143swirls downwardly through cylindrical cyclone chambers 142 and into theconical shaped chambers 132 due to the tangentially aligned inlets 143.The gas travels in a helical pattern downwardly toward the bottom 135 ofconical chambers 132. Due to centrifugal forces, the particles fluid orflow outwardly away from the center axis of the chambers 132 and towardthe walls of the respective chambers 132. Liquid is pumped into chambers132 from liquid reservoir 111 through the central liquid passage tube134. This liquid wets the particles in chambers 132 and washes down thechambers walls flushing the particles into reservoir 12. The liquid iscontinuously recirculated through the conical chambers by theperistaltic pump (not shown) thereby concentrating the particles withinthe liquid over time. The liquid then can be pumped to an optionallyintegrated monitoring system comprised of detectors and sensors. Themonitoring system then can send out a warning if toxic microorganismsare present.

EXAMPLE 2

A prototype device was designed to achieve a high fluid or flow rate,high collection efficiency for 1-15 micrometer (μm) particles, rejectionof particles >50 μm and a low power consumption/pressure drop. Designspecifications for this example device were established to meet thefollowing requirements although other specifications are possible fordifferent design geometries as established using the calculationsdescribed later.

100% rejection of particles >50 gm

Total air fluid or flow rate >_(—)800 l/min

Collection efficiency for 2 gin particles >50%

Overall System Design

The cyclone separator design consists of a two stage system ofconcentric components to remove large particles and retain smallparticles. As shown in FIG. 27, a single large outer cyclone is used toseparate and reject particles >50 μm. An inner bank of multiple minicyclones operating in parallel captures and concentrates small particles<20 μm. This unit has the capacity to process 1000 liters per minutes(LPM) air fluid or flow, transferring collected bioparticles to a liquidstream for concentration and/or analysis. The design of both inner andouter structures is based on calculations using formulae thatmathematically describe particle movement under the influence ofcyclonic and gravitational forces.

In order to process an air stream at 1000 LPM (1 m³/min.), we haveformed a design for the inner cylinder housing the wet-walled multiplecyclone unit. The design accommodates eight mini wet-walled cyclones ina circular arrangement, each capable of a fluid or flow rate of 125 LPM.This will result in an inner unit with a diameter of 10 cm. Based oniterative calculations described below, a geometry yielding an inletvelocity of 8 m/sec has been selected to achieve the particle separatingcapability of the outer helical cavity (cyclone).

Inlet Fluid or Flow and Size Calculations

The geometry of the outer cyclone is determined on the basis of thetotal fluid or flow rate desired, i.e., 1000 LPM and the inlet velocityrequired to achieve the desired particle separation. For the design wehave envisioned, large particles (>50 μm) must have a positive radialvelocity so that they strike the inner wall of the outer cyclone. Smallparticles must have a negative radial velocity so that they will becaptured by the inner bank of cyclones. The following calculations wereused to determine the inlet velocity and inlet dimensions required.

The radial velocity of a particle at the wall of the 10 cm innercylinder is calculated using the following formula:

V _(r0) =−Q/A  (1)

where

Q=volume fluid or flow rate in cm³/sec and

A=area of inner cylinder exposed to air fluid or flow.

Therefore; V _(r0) =−Q/A=−16670/πdh=−130 cm/sec=−1.30 m/sec

where

d is the inner cylinder diameter (10 cm), and

h is the inlet height (4.1 cm.).

Assuming Stokes law for the particle drag coefficient, the radialvelocity of a particle in this outer channel would be:

V _(rp) =V _(r0)+^(t) ^(_(v)) ^(U) ² /R  (2)

where

U=inlet velocity (10 m/sec),

R=inner radius (0.05 in), and

t_(V)=aerodynamic response time as defined by:

t _(V)=^(ρ) ^(_(p)) ^(D) ² /18μ  (3)

where

ρ_(p)=the particle density (1000 kg/m³, assuming a bioparticle withaverage density of 1.0),

D=the particle diameter in meters, and

μ=the viscosity of air (1.8×10⁻⁵).

Using equations 2 and 3, particle radial velocity can be calculated forparticles of varying size at several inlet velocities (U). FIG. 33illustrates a plot of particle diameter vs. V_(rp) for a range of inletvelocities. Negative values for V_(rp) indicate movement toward theinner wall which will result in capture by the inner wet-wall cyclones.A positive value for V_(rp) indicates movement toward the outer wall. Inthe 10 m/sec inlet fluid or flow example, particles larger than 12 μmflow to the outside of the structure and smaller particles flow to theinner walls where they are captured by the wet-walled cyclones. At alarger inlet fluid or flow rate, 12 m/sec, the particle size cut-off forcapture by the wet-wall cyclones reduces to 10 μm. At a lower fluid orflow rate of 8 m/sec, particles smaller that 20 μm are captured. In allcases, larger particles move toward the outer wall and settle to thebottom of the structure for removal.

Therefore in order to establish a fluid or flow rate of 1000 LPM, theinlet will require a cross sectional area of 16.7 cm2.

Fluid or flow rate in m³/sec.=1.0 m³/min/60 sec./min.=0.0167 m³/sec.

Entry port area=0.0167 m³/sec/8 m/sec=0.0021 m² or (21 cm²)

For a square port, side dim.=(0.00167 m²) exp 0.5=0.0458 m or 4.58 cm.

Therefore, the inlet dimensions for the outer cyclone should beapproximately 4.6×4.6 cm.

The same set of calculations are used to determine the inlet dimensionsfor the inner cylinder of cyclones in order to collect particles in the1-20 μm size range.

In another embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 29-31 depict thecyclone chambers arranged linearly instead of arranged about a centralaxis. Nonetheless, the apparatus shown in these FIGURES functions in amanner analogous to the apparatus of the prior FIGURES, discussed above.

Air enters the system through the cyclone inlet ports (180) such thatits velocity is tangential to the main cylindrical section (181). As itrotates, liquid is introduced from the liquid injection ports (182) tocoat the inner surface of the cylinder and collect the particles thatare thrown out by the cyclonic air currents. Approximately half the airreverses flow and then flows out through the vortex finder (183) thatreceives suction from the upper vacuum chamber (189). The other half,along with the liquid (which now contains the particles) flows out ofthe underflow opening (184) and into the upper portion of the lowervacuum chamber (186). The air then flows through the air return channel(185) to the upper vacuum chamber, where it merges with the air thatcame through the vortex finder and is sucked out via a blower attachedto the blower opening (187). The liquid separates from the air and dripsinto the fluid reservoir which is the bottom portion of the lower vacuumchamber(186) carrying the particles with it to the liquid outflow tube(188). In a “once through” application, the liquid is then sent to asensor/detector (not shown), and fresh liquid is pumped (pump not shown)into the liquid input port (190) and back to the fluid injectionports(182) via the liquid input tube (191). In a “batch” application,the liquid is recirculated from the fluid reservoir (186) by pumpingthrough the input tube and distributed to each cyclone through theinjection ports (182) and down into the cylindrical section where itcontinues to capture particles that impact the walls through cyclonicforces.

It should be apparent that four conical chambers were used forexplanation purposes only and that any number of conical chambers may beused. It should also be apparent that the parts associated with theconical chambers (vacuum transfer channels, upper cyclone vents, cycloneinlets, underfluid or flow pipes, and overfluid or flow pipes) willchange correspondingly with the number of conical chambers. Two cyclonegeometries are primarily illustrated, one with four mini-cyclones in aradial geometry that samples 360 degrees and one with 12 mini-cyclonesin a bipolar geometry as shown in FIG. 29, with inlets facing oppositeeach other. However, the present invention should not be limited tothese numbers of cyclones or geometries. The redial design can have morecyclones, and the cyclones themselves may be larger or smaller,depending on the desired particle sizes to be collected. The same istrue for the bipolar system, greater or fewer number of cyclones can beused and the cyclones may be larger or smaller in size. A uni-polardesign is also possible, with inlets facing in one direction.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated anddescribed, it will be appreciated that various changes can be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A particle separatorassembly for use with a blower and having a longitudinal assembly axis,the blower being connectable to the particle separator assembly andoperable to draw a particle-laden gas stream through the particleseparator assembly, the particle separator assembly comprising: aplurality of particle separation chambers, each of the particleseparation chambers having an internal surface and operable to separateparticles from the particle-laden gas stream supplied thereto; a vacuumchamber disposed in fluid flow communication with each of the particleseparation chambers; an inlet for each particle separation chamber, theinlets directing particle-laden gas external from the assembly into theparticle separation chambers and finally into the vacuum chamber; aliquid passage conduit connectable to a reservoir and in fluid flowcommunication with each particle separation chamber, the liquid passageconduit supplying a liquid from a reservoir to the internal surfaces ofthe particle separation chambers to wet such internal surfaces wherebythe particles separated from the gas within each particle separationchamber collect on the wetted internal surfaces of the chambers andentrain within the supplied liquid; and an outlet for each particleseparation chamber connected in fluid flow communication with the vacuumchamber for establishing fluid flow communication between the particleseparation chambers and the vacuum chamber such that the particleseparated gas and the particle entrained liquid exit the particleseparation chamber outlets into the vacuum chamber.
 2. The assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein the plurality of particle separationchambers are disposed about the longitudinal axis of the assembly. 3.The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of particleseparation chambers is arranged in one or two rows about the lateralaxis of the assembly.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein theliquid passage conduit is disposed along the longitudinal axis of theassembly.
 5. The assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: areservoir in fluid flow communication with each particle separationchamber and the liquid passage conduit.
 6. The apparatus according toclaim 1, further comprising an outer cyclone chamber concentric to thelongitudinal assembly axis, the outer cyclone chamber in fluid flowcommunication with the plurality of inlets.
 7. The apparatus accordingto claim 6, wherein the outer cyclone chamber further comprises aninlet, the outer cyclone chamber inlet enabling particle-laden gasexternal from the apparatus to enter the plurality of particleseparation chambers through the plurality of inlets.
 8. A particleseparator and collector assembly having a longitudinal axis, theassembly comprising: at least one particle separation chamber eachformed with an internal surface and a longitudinal axis; a lower vacuumchamber disposed in fluid communication with the at least one particleseparation chamber; at least one inlet in fluid communication with theat least one particle separation chamber, the at least one inletenabling particle-laden gas external from the assembly to enter the atleast one particle separation chamber; a liquid reservoir disposed influid communication with the lower vacuum chamber; and a liquid passageconduit interconnecting the liquid reservoir with the internal surfaceof the particle separation chamber to supply liquid from the reservoirto the internal surface of the particle separation chamber; wherein theparticle-laden gas is drawn into the at least one inlet by a blower andchanneled in a helical pattern through the conical-shaped particleseparator chamber and into the lower vacuum chamber, the particles beingforced outwardly away from the longitudinal axis of the particleseparation chamber by centrifugal force as the gas is channeled throughthe conical-shaped particle separation chamber resulting, in theparticles being separated from the gas and collected by the liquid beingsupplied to the internal surface.
 9. The assembly according to claim 8,further comprising an upper vacuum chamber disposed in fluidcommunication with the at least one particle separation chamber and atleast one vacuum transfer channel, the at least one vacuum transferchannel interconnecting the upper vacuum chamber with the lower vacuumtransfer channel.
 10. The assembly according to claim 8, wherein theinlet is disposed tangential to the particle separation chamber so thatthe gas entering the particle separation chamber begins to move in ahelical pattern.
 11. An apparatus which separates particles from a gasstream and collects the particles within a liquid, the apparatuscomprising: a housing defining a longitudinal axis, the housingcomprising a top end portion connectable to a blower and a bottom endconnectable to a pump; at least one cyclone chamber disposed within thehousing and having an upper end and a lower end, the cyclone chamberhaving an outlet for exiting gas and liquid; at least one housing inletin fluid communication with the cyclone chamber, the housing inletenabling particle-laden gas external from the apparatus to enter thecyclone chamber; a liquid passage conduit disposed within the housingand connectable to a pump, the liquid passage conduit delivering theliquid to the upper end of the cyclone chamber; and a reservoir in fluidcommunication with a lower vacuum chamber, the cyclone chamber and theliquid passage conduit; wherein particle-laden gas is pulled through thecyclone chamber so that the particles are separated from the gas bycentrifugal force and collected by the liquid supplied to the cyclonechamber, and wherein particle trapped liquid and particle separated gasexits the cyclone chamber through the cyclone chamber outlet.
 12. Theapparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a plurality ofcyclone chambers disposed within the housing.
 13. The apparatusaccording to claim 12, wherein the plurality of cyclone chambers aredisposed equidistant around the longitudinal axis of the housing. 14.The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of cyclonechambers are disposed around the lateral axis of the housing in one ortwo rows.
 15. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the liquidpassage conduit supplies the liquid to the plurality of cyclonechambers.
 16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the liquidpassage conduit is disposed along the longitudinal axis of the housing.17. The apparatus according to claim 11, the housing further comprisingat least one vacuum transfer channel, the at least one vacuum transferchannel extends from the top end portion of the housing to the bottomend portion of the housing.
 18. The apparatus according to claim 17, thehousing further comprising an upper vacuum chamber disposed in the topend portion of the housing, in fluid communication with a vortex finderin the upper portion of the cyclone chamber, the at least one vacuumtransfer channel connecting the cyclone chamber outlet with the uppervacuum chamber so that the gas stream is pulled through the cyclonechamber.
 19. The apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising anouter cyclone chamber concentric to the longitudinal axis and coupled tothe housing, the outer cyclone chamber in fluid communication with thehousing inlet.
 20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein theouter cyclone chamber further comprises an inlet, the outer cyclonechamber inlet enabling particle-laden gas external from the apparatus toenter the at least one cyclone chamber through the housing inlet.
 21. Amethod for separating particles having an aerodynamic diameter greaterthan a specific cut size from a gas and entrapping the particles in aliquid using a particle separation assembly, the particle separationassembly having a plurality of cyclone separation chambers disposedlongitudinally within a housing of the assembly and having an internalwall and defining a longitudinal axis, the housing including a top endconnectable to a blower, a bottom end connectable to a pump, and housinginlets in communication with the cyclone separation chambers forexternal gas to enter the assembly, a liquid passage conduit connectableto the pump for delivering the liquid to the cyclone separationchambers, and a vacuum chamber in communication with the cycloneseparation chambers, the method comprising: drawing a particle-laden gasinto the inlets of the housing and through the plurality of cycloneseparation chambers so that a the gas flows in a circular pathconforming to the configuration of the chambers; separating particlesgreater than the cut size from the gas by the centrifugal force imposedon the particles from the circular flow path of the gas within thechambers to move the particles outwardly away from the longitudinal axisand toward the inner wall of each cyclone chamber; supplying eachcyclone chamber with the liquid through the liquid passage conduit;entrapping the particles within the liquid and washing the particlesdown the inner walls of the cyclone chambers; and directing the particleentrapped liquid and the particle separated gas into the vacuum chamber.22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the particle separationassembly further having an outer cyclone chamber having an inlet coupledto the housing and in fluid communication with the housing inlets, themethod for separating particles from a gas and collecting the particleswithin a liquid using a particle separation assembly further comprisingthe steps of: drawing a particle-laden gas into the inlet of the outercyclone chamber; separating the larger particles from the particle-ladengas so that the smaller particles enter the housing inlets; and removingthe larger particles from the housing.
 23. The method for separatingparticles from a gas and collecting the particles within a liquid usinga particle separation assembly according to claim 21, further comprisingthe step of: removing the particle-laden liquid for analysis; andmonitoring the particles collected from the cyclone separation chambers.24. An apparatus which separates particles from a gas and collects theparticles within a liquid, the apparatus comprising: at least oneparticle separation chamber having an inlet for supplying particle ladengas external from the apparatus to the particle separation chamber, anoutlet, and an internal surface, the particle separation chamberoperable to separate particles entrained in the gas; a liquid passageconduit connected in fluid flow communication with the particleseparation chamber, the liquid passage conduit connectable to areservoir and operable to supply liquid from the reservoir to theinternal surface of the particle separation chamber; and a vacuumchamber connected in fluid flow communication with the particle chamberoutlet such that the particle separated gas and the particle entrainedliquid exit the particle separation chamber outlet into the vacuumchamber.
 25. An apparatus which separates particles from a gas streamand collects the particles within a liquid, the apparatus comprising: atleast one particle separation chamber having an inlet for supplyingparticle laden gas external from the apparatus to the particleseparation chamber, an outlet for allowing the gas or liquid to exit theparticle separation chamber, and an internal surface, the particleseparation chamber operable to separate particles entrained in the gas;a reservoir for holding a liquid; a liquid passage conduitinterconnecting the reservoir and the particle separation chamber influid flow communication, the liquid passage conduit operable to supplythe liquid from the reservoir to the internal surface of the particleseparation chamber; and a vacuum chamber connected in fluid flowcommunication with the particle chamber outlet and the reservoir, thevacuum chamber adapted to receive exiting particle separated gas and theparticle entrained liquid from the particle separation chamber.
 26. Anapparatus which separates particles from a gas stream and collects theparticles within a liquid, the apparatus comprising: a housing defininga longitudinal axis, the housing comprising a top end portionconnectable to a blower and a bottom end connectable to a pump; aplurality of cyclone chambers having a longitudinal axis substantiallyparallel to the housing longitudinal axis, the cyclone chambers disposedwithin the housing such that the longitudinal axis of the cyclonechambers are equidistant from the housing longitudinal axis; a housinginlet in fluid communication with each cyclone chamber, the housinginlets enabling particle-laden gas external from the apparatus to enterthe cyclone chambers; and a liquid passage conduit disposed within thehousing and connectable to a pump, the liquid passage conduit deliveringthe liquid to the cyclone chambers; wherein particle-laden gas is pulledthrough the cyclone chambers so that the particles are separated fromthe gas by centrifugal force and collected by the liquid suppliedthereto.